How could a 23 point win feel like a loss?

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I walked out of Commonwealth Stadium almost feeling like Kentucky had lost to Louisiana Monroe - not beating them by 23 points. How could a 23 point victory feel like a loss?
I'll tell you why - Kentucky got out-played and out-coached by a team that would go winless in the SEC year after year after year.
The Warhawks showed more heart. The Warhawks looked better on offense. The Warhawks converted 3rd and long time after time after time while Kentucky had trouble all game converted on 3rd down.
I leave Commonwealth Stadium almost feeling like Louisiana Monroe was the better team. How could I feel that way? Take away the Randall Cobb punt return for a touchdown and the Randall Burden interception return for a touchdown and all Kentucky is left with is a couple of great plays by John Conner on offense.
Hopefully the coaches will show the film to the Cats over and over and over this week pointing out mistake after mistake after mistake and UK will then come out with a little chip on their shoulder against Mississippi State and play a lot better. I want them to play a lot better. I want them to perform like they did against Auburn and even South Carolina. I want to see some heart.
It seemed like the Cats were a step slow and step late all game. That can't happen.
It seemed like Louisiana Monroe was a step ahead and a step faster. That's unexplainable.
I even saw a fan in section 121 try to start the 'C-A-T-S' cheer like he does every home game, and not one person got in on it. Not one. It was sad.
Yes, it was a win, but I want to feel good about a win. This win left me with some questions, some concerns, and I don't like it, especially after you beat somebody by 23 points.

Tags: Commonwealth Stadium, Kentucky, Kentucky Wildcats, Mississippi State, Mississippi State University, SEC, South Carolina, Touchdown

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Comment by RICK ALDERSON on October 26, 2009 at 4:23pm: ROB, your right, 21 nothing get some of the players out of the game,Ryans one of those fans that wants to win 100 to o.

Comment by Rick Courtney on October 26, 2009 at 2:31pm: I did not get to see the game down here in Florida or listen I had to work. I hope they play better next week Miss St is not a cup cake.

Comment by Bigcatinva on October 25, 2009 at 6:04pm: I think Rob has it right. Why show the next opponents your playbook? I think the boys lost a little fire once they were up 21 and let ULM get back up a little. We did get some snaps for some guys lower on the depth chart. I saw Meisner get in there and get 2 tackles for loss. He looked good. I can't remember him ever seeing a snap. Locke got to rest, and Cobb rested in the second half with less wildcat.
It wasn't all pretty, but they took care of business.

Comment by Rob Elliott on October 25, 2009 at 2:37pm: Just couldn't disagree more with Ryan. UK came out and went up 21-0 and at that point the coaching staff folded up the playbook and packed it in. Joker used the next 3 quarters for practice, trying to get a passing game going and protecting the injured Locke and Smith. Anytime they wanted they could have gone to the Wildcat or ran outside the tackles but there was no need so why risk getting someone hurt.

Comment by Darran Lavrin on October 25, 2009 at 11:10am: I disagree it was not a wasted win. UK gets up big early and coasted. It could have cost them if ULM had converted in the red zone but it didn't. My big issue with Joker is throwing the ball late in the 3rd up 21. Run the dang ball!!! Its what we do best!

Comment by kyfan32 on October 25, 2009 at 10:55am: And yes, it was watsted, we had three games to get Newton some quality snaps, but no, we play the three QB scenerio, once we get back to SEC play, nine in the box because we have no consistent down field threat.

Comment by kyfan32 on October 25, 2009 at 10:54am: Joker Phillips is a horrible offensive coordinator, I stand by my words! I have nothing personal against the man, great guy but cant call games consistently. When he becomes head coach it will be the demise of Kentucky football.

Comment by SaveUK on October 25, 2009 at 2:24am: Thank God for Rich Brooks and his defense!

I love Joker and think he is a very good offensive coordinator and signal caller but someone just needs to remind him every once in awhile - "if it ain't broke don't fix it"

Comment by SaveUK on October 25, 2009 at 2:22am: Connor has a great first half, no touches in the 2nd half. That is Joker's decision
You can't keep switching QBs consistently. That is Joker's decision
How many games does it take to see that Cobb running the Wildcat puts us in the best position to win and might have gotten us at least one between Bama and South Carolina, maybe UK even wins both. That is Joker's decision

Or am I wrong?

Comment by Chickenhouse on October 25, 2009 at 1:51am: I saw plenty ... in the first half.... The defense played very well. John Conner and Sam Maxwell played like men possessed. Mr. Cobb had his usual great showing --- All leading to a 21to7 halftime lead. I agree that the defense coasted a bit in the second half - but it seemed that this was by design - playing not to lose is not a bad strategy with the youth and walking wounded that Steve Brown is dealing with. Until Newton or Fidler establish themselves, that zone defense will be on the field much longer than it should be, and they will continue to give up big plays.

Were the questions that you came away with - really that much different that the ones you took to the game? Unfortunately they weren't for me....